We have been made aware that families being served by Fox & Weeks are being contacted by individuals requesting payment over the phone. Fox & Weeks will not contact a family requesting payment over the phone. Please contact the Savannah Police Department immediately if you are contacted and asked to make payment over the phone. Please contact Fox & Weeks if you have any questions.
Celebrating the life of
Elizabeth Traber Brightwell Chappell
Passed away on December 21, 2021
Elizabeth Traber Brightwell Chappell
1941 - 2021
Betty Chappell, 80, passed away quietly, surrounded by loving family, in Savannah on Tuesday, December 21st, 2021. Betty was born in Athens, Georgia on September 29, 1941 to Eugene Edwin (Captain, US Army, WWII) and Elizabeth Armstrong Traber. Her hometown was Madison, Georgia, where she attended Morgan County High School.
Betty graduated with a BSEd in 1963 from the University of Georgia and was a member of Phi Mu Fraternity, as were her mother, sister, and a daughter. She met her first husband, Charles Sanders Brightwell, Sr. (Major, US Air Force, Vietnam War) of Maxeys, Georgia, while studying at UGA, and they married while Sanders was attaining his Master’s degree in Forestry.
They reared their three children in Savannah: Layne (Chuck), Laura (David) and Sanders, Jr. (Ashley). When Sanders, Sr. passed away at the young age of 38 on December 9, 1978, Betty, heartbroken, told her children that she would never find anyone to replace their father. But 13 years later, she found another love. “You remember how I never thought I’d find anyone to replace your father? Now I know that no one can, and also that no one needs to. One love has absolutely nothing to do with another.”
For the last 30 years, she was happily married to Isaac Jess Chappell, III, who passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on December 9, 2021 at their home in Savannah. Through this marriage, she was blessed with three bonus children: Mark, Sr. (Tammy), Frank (Lisa) and Jon. Betty adored and cherished her grandchildren to whom she was “BB.” In addition to Crawford, Zoe, and Carys, she gained her bonus grandchildren, Sam, Mary Jane, Mark, Jr. (Morgan), Blake, Matthew, Sarah Jane, Charles, Claudia, Emma, Sarah and Zoey.
Betty was a loving wife, sister, mother and grandmother who lived every day with a quiet strength, an infectious vitality and a genteel spirit. Betty enjoyed family gatherings, dinner and playing bridge with longtime and dear friends, cheering on her Dawgs, gardening and traveling. In her younger years, Betty gave tours for Historic Savannah Foundation, taught aerobics, danced to music of the fifties, and starred in the Junior League Follies. In her most recent days, she took delight in the laughter and conversations with her grandchildren.
Betty is also survived by her devoted sister, Alla Traber Campbell (Charles) of Greensboro, Georgia; her nieces and nephews, Chris, Beth, Traber, Becky and Jay; and her cousins, the Crafts; Gary, George and Paul.
A service will be held on Thursday, December 23rd at 1:00 P.M. in the Memorial Garden at the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church in Savannah with Minister Scott Tucker officiating; and a celebration of her life will be held in Madison in early 2022. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church, First United Methodist Church of Madison, or your favorite animal charity. Over these past weeks, the Brightwell, Chappell, and Campbell families have appreciated your prayers and love.
Deepest sympathy for your loss.
- Ann Pitner, Madison, GA
So very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person; wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Such great memories, too many to write about, but will always remember Miss Betty.
- Tom Brightwell, Dahlonega, GA
you are all in my prayers. Betty and Chap were blessed to have a long happy time together. Betty was a delight.
- Lillian (Lynne) Chappell Demarest, Corsicana , TX
Of the many wonderful things about Betty, I will miss her laughter. It was freely given and contagious. She was a loving and lovely person inside and out! And a great sister-in-law. Enjoyed so much our times spent together..
- Amanda Chappell Reaves, Jacksonville , AL
You all have been in our thoughts so often these past two weeks and we are truly sorry for the loss of these two great people that have meant so much to the Daniel Family for so many years. Please know that we are here for you and if you need anything in Atlanta, Madison or Savannah - we are a phone call away. Our hearts are truly saddened by this - Please accept our deepest condolences. Alan and Kristi
- Alan & Kristi, Alpharetta, GA
We are heartbroken at the loss your families have suffered. Betty was such a beautiful lady and made the Junior League Follies such a fun experience! She enjoyed life and her smile will be a treasure we all keep in our memories! Our prayers are with all of the family and hope all the good times shadow the sadness. Helen Marie and Michael Fleming
- Helen Marie Fleming, Savannah, GA
Love and blessings to Betty’s family. Our paths crossed in several ways beginning in second grade. I cherish my memories of her!
- Dorothy Cabaniss, Madison, GA
I am so sorry for the loss of Betty. The children and grandchildren have been through so much at this time. Kevin and I enjoyed Betty and Jess as neighbors and friends. God bless the families. We will keep you in our prayers.
- Virginia Broderick, Savannah, GA
Sending each of you our deepest and sincerely sympathy. Once neighbors years ago when you were little children; Betty will be missed and she was always such a joy and loving neighbor. May God carry you each day now and in the days to come. Peace be with each of you. Tootie
- Tootie (Black) Tortorici and Frank, Marion, SC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Graveside Service
- 1:00 p.m. on Thu, December 23, 2021
- Isle of Hope United Methodist Church
-
412 Parkersburg Road (map)
Savannah GA 31406
